Therapeutic School Lead Paraprofessional

Description

At Heartspring, our mission is to help children with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), behavioral challenges, and other neurodevelopmental disabilities reach their fullest potential. We're looking for a compassionate, dependable Lead Paraprofessional to support students while providing leadership and guidance to classroom staff. If you're passionate about special education, enjoy mentoring others, and want to make a lasting impact in the lives of children and families, we'd love to meet you.

• Position: Lead Classroom Para
• Schedule: Full-Time Days
• Hours: Monday-Friday 7:15a-4p
• Requirements: 2+ years of leadership or supervisory experience, 2+ years working with children with autism or developmental disabilities
• Pre-Employment Requirements: must pass a state and federal background check, drug screening, physical, and lifting test

As a Lead Paraprofessional, you'll partner closely with the Special Education Teacher to support daily classroom operations while helping students succeed academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally.

• Support students with autism, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and behavioral needs in the classroom.
• Assist with academics, communication, social skills, emotional regulation, life skills, and activities of daily living (ADLs) as needed.
• Encourage independence through positive behavior support and individualized instruction.
• Build trusting relationships that help students grow and succeed.

• Help oversee daily classroom routines and maintain a structured therapeutic learning environment.
• Lead classroom operations when the teacher is unavailable.
• Coach, mentor, and support paraprofessionals and classroom staff.
• Assist with onboarding and training new team members.

• Implement behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and positive behavior supports.
• Respond appropriately during behavioral escalations using approved crisis intervention techniques.
• Maintain a safe, supportive, and inclusive classroom for all students.

• Partner with teachers, therapists, nurses, and families to support student success.
• Document student progress, incidents, and observations accurately.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with staff and families.

• Follow Heartspring policies and educational standards.
• Support quality assurance initiatives and maintain accurate documentation.
• Protect student confidentiality and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.

You'll be successful in this role if you are:

• Dependable, ethical, and accountable with a strong work ethic.
• Calm under pressure and able to make sound decisions during challenging situations.
• An effective communicator with excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Passionate about providing exceptional service to students, families, and coworkers.
• A collaborative leader who enjoys coaching and supporting teammates.
• Comfortable using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 2+ years of leadership or supervisory experience
• 2+ years of experience working with children with autism, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, behavioral challenges, or other neurodevelopmental disabilities in a school, special education, therapeutic, or behavioral health setting

• Valid Kansas driver's license
• Kansas licensed substitute teacher certification
• 60 or more college credit hours

Because the safety of our students is our highest priority, all candidates must successfully complete Heartspring's required pre-employment screening process before beginning employment. This includes:

• DCF fingerprinting
• State and federal background checks
• Drug screening
• Pre-employment physical and required physical abilities testing
• Reference verification
• Verification of required professional licensure
• Other required employment and regulatory clearances

• Competitive salary
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid holidays
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Tuition reimbursement and continuing education support

Physical Requirements:

• Lifting:
  Up to 30 lbs. frequently; 50 lbs. rarely
• Carrying: 10-15 lbs. frequently; 50 lbs. seldom
• Sitting/Standing/Walking: sit rarely;…